Atletico Madrid are in the midst of a search for a new goalkeeper following the departure of Horatiu Moldovan, who has joined Sassuolo on loan for this season. The club, under the management of Enrique Cerezo, have already begun exploring options to find his replacement.
Horatiu Moldovan, 26, joined Atlético Madrid in January, originally as a replacement for Ivo Grbic. However, Moldovan's career at the Metropolitano did not take off as expected. Despite having played during pre-season and taking advantage of some physical problems of Jan Oblak, the Romanian did not get the chance to make his official debut. When the competition began, Oblak returned to the starting line-up, and Moldovan found himself relegated to the background.
A decision that comes from behind
Moldovan's decision to look for an exit is not surprising, given that a lack of opportunities at the club has led him to seek new horizons. Sassuolo, recently relegated to Serie B, proposed a loan for half a million euros with an option to buy, an offer that Atletico Madrid accepted.
With Moldovan out, Atletico Madrid now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. Club president Enrique Cerezo is on the hunt for a new goalkeeper who can offer guarantees and support Jan Oblak. One of the names that has emerged on the list of candidates is PSV Eindhoven's Walter Benitez. Benitez, 31, is an experienced goalkeeper and has been an attractive option for the red-and-white club.
The substitute is complicated
However, the move to sign Benitez is not a simple one. PSV Eindhoven have valued the Argentine at around eight million euros, a figure that Atletico consider high, especially given the need to adjust the club's budget. Although Benitez is a leading option, the Madrid club are exploring other alternatives to find a goalkeeper who fits their financial plans.
In addition to Benitez, Atletico Madrid are considering other cheaper options or even possible loans that would allow them to adjust their wage bill while reinforcing the goalkeeping position. Moldovan's departure has highlighted the urgency of finding a suitable replacement to ensure the team's goalkeeping is well covered during the season.